US20050156746A1 - Mold and fungus growth warning apparatus and method - Google Patents
Mold and fungus growth warning apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20050156746A1 US20050156746A1 US11/028,389 US2838905A US2005156746A1 US 20050156746 A1 US20050156746 A1 US 20050156746A1 US 2838905 A US2838905 A US 2838905A US 2005156746 A1 US2005156746 A1 US 2005156746A1
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- relative humidity
- fungus growth
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
- F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
- F24F11/63—Electronic processing
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
- F24F2110/50—Air quality properties
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
- Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating
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Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth includes a microprocessor having a data map, a temperature sensor attached to the microprocessor, a relative humidity sensor attached to the microprocessor, an indicator array attached to the microprocessor, and a power supply attached to the microprocessor. The indicator array may be a single warning light or an array with a plurality of warning lights. The indicator array may also be an audio speaker. The indicator array may also include a message display for digitally displaying one or more ambient condition.
Description
- This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/533,925 filed on Jan. 4, 2004, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/534,279 filed on Jan. 5, 2004, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/542,888 filed on Feb. 9, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/598,614 filed on Aug. 4, 2004.
- This invention relates generally to devices for measuring environmental conditions, and specifically to devices that indicate when environmental conditions are favorable to undesirable organic growth, such as mold, mildew and fungi.
- 1. Background
- Mold is a common allergen that can grow in many locations inside or outside a dwelling. It can also be found thriving inside building cavities, between walls. Mold is a very common indoor contaminant, and a common cause of illness. In a study of several hundred Tennessee homes in the United States, 49% had airborne concentrations of fungi greater than the concentration considered by some allergists to be acceptable to sensitive individuals. Only a few dozen of the thousands of different types of mold are commonly found in dwellings for humans.
- Molds reproduce by releasing spores into the air. The spores are extremely small, about 1 micron or about 0.00004 inches. Mold counts are often 1,000 times higher than pollen counts. Although tiny parts of the parent mold colony can break off and be inhaled, usually, inhaled microscopic spores are the source of health problems. A person's allergic response is a biological reaction to the protein in mold, so the reaction can occur whether the inhaled spores are dead or alive. A thriving mold colony often releases various gases, including volatile organic compounds, that are also a problem for sensitive individuals.
- Different species of mold have different health effects ranging from mild symptoms to death. In Cleveland, Ohio, in 1993, there were at least 34 cases of infants with bleeding in the lungs. The condition was related to the mold Stachybotrys atra. At least 10 deaths were recorded. Some species of the mold Aspergillus can infect the entire body of a person, causing lung damage or other serious illnesses. Histoplasma capsulatum can affect the lungs, but can also be systemic. A mold colony can use any organic material for food, and can even derive nutrition form a layer of dust on non-organic surfaces.
- Mold requires five ingredients to thrive: food, air, a surface to grow upon, suitable temperature, and moisture. In an occupied building, little can be done to eliminate the first four conditions. In these instances, only the manipulation of moisture can be used to eliminate a mold colony or to prevent a new colony from forming.
- Mold growth is related to relative humidity. Relative humidity levels below about 70% will not support excessive mold growth. However, indicated relative humidity levels below 70% do not ensure safety. Although a house may have 60% relative humidity, microclimates of higher relative humidity may exist throughout the house, especially near cooler surfaces. This is because cold air cannot support as much water moisture as warm air. Thus, for a given amount of water vapor in the air, the cooler air will have a higher relative humidity.
- For example, assume the air in a house has a relative humidity of 60% at 21° C. (70° F.). The air outside the house is 10° C. (50° F.), and the air between the outside wall and the inner drywall is at 16° C. (60° F.). Furthermore, the air in the house and the air between the walls can circulate, which is very common. In this case, the 16° C. air within the wall cavity will have a relative humidity of 70%, and may support excessive mold growth.
- 2. Description of Prior Art
- Temperature and humidity measurement are mature and well-developed arts. Numerous temperature and humidity measuring and monitoring devices have been developed. However, each of these devices has shortcomings making them inappropriate or ineffective for monitoring indoor environmental conditions for optimal mold and fungus growth conditions.
- Some of these prior art devices measure rainfall and emphasize temperature measurements to determine the potential for mold growth. Other devices measure surface wetness, or condensed water vapor, to determine the potential for mold growth. These devices are of little use indoors.
- Other devices measure temperature and relative humidity, and will alert a user when a single predetermined parameter is observed. However, such devices are not capable of determining when a combination of two or more conditions is observed. For example, mold growth depends on a specific relationship between temperature and moisture. Neither a specific temperature or moisture value nor a range of temperature or moisture values will provide optimal conditions for mold growth. Both temperature and relative humidity must be compared to determine if conditions are right for mold or fungus growth.
- Thus, there exists a need for a device that alerts a homeowner or dwelling occupant to the unobvious combination of environmental conditions that are conducive to unseen and destructive mold and fungus growth and assigns a threat level to the problem.
- According to the present invention there is provided a device to monitor and measure temperature and relative humidity conditions and an indicator to warn when environmental conditions are favorable for undesirable organic growth such as mold, mildew, and fungi. The device allows the informed user to take steps to reduce or eliminate the conditions that are beneficial for such growth.
- Another object of the invention is to indicate a relative level of mold or fungus growth risk.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus in a portable, battery-powered unit.
- In accordance with the present invention, a device is provided to monitor and measure temperature and humidity conditions. The device enters the temperature and relative humidity values into a data map to determine the corresponding hazard level for those temperature and relative humidity conditions. The device indicates when environmental conditions are favorable or unfavorable for unseen and destructive organic infestations such as mold, mildew, and fungi. The relative hazard level is displayed visually or audibly. Alternatively, the rising level of potential for mold and fungus growth may be visually presented in a traffic signal configuration. This configuration shows the increasingly favorable growth conditions as a change from a green indicator, to a yellow indicator, to a red indicator, and finally to a flashing red indicator warning of extreme susceptibility for unseen mold and fungus growth.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B show plan views of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B show isometric views of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B depict electrical block diagrams for the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; -
FIGS. 4A to 4B show, in tabular form, examples of map data for the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; -
FIGS. 5A and 5B show algorithms for indicator operation for the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 6 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus while the apparatus is in a normal state of operation, in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus during a first warning level, in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus at the second warning level, in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus at the third (most severe) warning level, in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the preferred embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention; and -
FIG. 12 depicts the electrical block diagram of the preferred embodiment of the mold and fungus growth warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention. - In accordance with the present invention, a device is provided to monitor temperature and humidity conditions. The device enters the temperature and relative humidity values into a data map to determine the corresponding hazard level for the observed temperature and relative humidity conditions. The device indicates when environmental conditions are favorable or unfavorable for unseen and destructive organic infestations such as mold, mildew, and fungi.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , plan views of a mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 are shown. The mold and fungus growth warning apparatus is primarily an electronic device enclosed in amechanical housing 12.Housing 12 may be constructed from a low-cost injection moldable plastic such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) although almost any material or combination of materials can be used.FIGS. 1A and 1B are alternative arrangements. Additional information may be displayed within the scope of the disclosure. -
FIG. 1A shows ahousing 12 with anindicator 14. In this embodiment, theindicator 14 is colored red. Because the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 is an electronic device, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) is an appropriate technology for theindicator 14.FIG. 1B shows ahousing 12 having alight display area 15. This embodiment includes threeindicators - The
housing 12 includes acavity opening 21 to allow ambient air to circulate insidehousing 12 where various sensors may be located. Thecavity opening 21 is generally located at the bottom of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 so that dust and debris will not fall into the cavity. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , theindicators housing 12. Location of theindicators housing 12 surface. InFIG. 2B , a two-positionenergy saver switch 21 is visible. The energy saver switch activates and deactivates theindicator -
FIG. 3A shows an electrical block diagram for the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10. Atemperature sensor 22 and arelative humidity sensor 24 provide input signals to amicroprocessor 26. Temperature and humidity sensors are well known in the art. Thesensors temperature sensor 22 has an accuracy tolerance of ±2° F. (±1.1° C.) and a range of 32° F. to 122° F. (0° C. to 50° C.). Therelative humidity sensor 24 has an accuracy tolerance of ±3% and a range of 20% to 95% in a non-condensing atmosphere. Of course, sensors with higher or lower accuracies and ranges may be used according to the application. - The requirements for
microprocessor 26 can be met by a variety of such devices. In one embodiment, an important requirement is low power consumption when an internalbattery power supply 28 is used instead of external power. A device in the Motorola HCS08 series may be used formicroprocessor 26. This device has multiple power modes and an internal clock for auto wake-up to extend battery life.Battery power supply 28 will generally be comprised of one or more dry-cell batteries. Depending onmicroprocessor 26 and other circuitry choices, additional power conditioning may be required. - A
red indicator 14 is provided in a simple embodiment. LED indicators having a diameter of about 5 mm (0.197 inches) and a viewing angle of greater than 400 will meet the needs of most users and are readily available and easily integrated into the design of mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10, though numerous other indicators are available. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B show an electrical block diagram of alternative embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 3A is an electrical diagram for a simple apparatus with a single indicator.FIG. 3B depicts a more complex apparatus having a plurality of indicators, each dedicated to a particular task. Anenergy saver switch 30 reduces power consumption. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are internal maps of temperature and humidity combinations that are likely to be encountered indoors and that are conducive to organic growth such as mold, mildew, and fungi. The overall map is broken into columns corresponding to a range of relative humidity levels. -
FIG. 4A corresponds toFIGS. 1A, 2A and 3A, and is divided into three columns. Each column represents a discrete relative humidity range.Column 1 ofFIG. 4A indicates the actions to occur when therelative humidity 69% or below.Column 2 indicates the actions to occur when the relative humidity is 70% through 89%.Column 3 indicates the actions to occur when the relative humidity is above 89%. This is a simple but effective way to display conditions where only oneindicator 14 is used. In another embodiment theindicator 14 may be an audio speaker that emits a tone to alert the user to potentially hazardous mold and fungus growth conditions. -
FIG. 4B corresponds toFIGS. 1B, 2B and 3B, and is divided into four columns.Column 1 ofFIG. 4B indicates the actions to occur when the relative humidity is below 50%.Column 2 indicates the actions to occur when the relative humidity is 50% through 69%.Column 3 indicates the actions to occur when the relative humidity is 70% through 89%.Column 4 indicates the actions to occur when the relative humidity is above 89%. This is one way to display conditions where threeindicators indicators - A green light, a yellow light, and a red light are provided in this embodiment, corresponding to
indicators indicators -
FIGS. 5A and 5B depict sample algorithms for the operation of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10.FIGS. 5A and 5B correspond toFIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively. -
FIG. 6 shows a plan view of another embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10, in accordance with the invention. This embodiment includes adigital display 32 for displaying theambient temperature 34 andrelative humidity 36 conditions. Another embodiment includes a time ofday display 38. In this example, thegreen indicator 16 is at the bottom of thelight display area 15, and corresponds to low mold and fungus growth conditions. Theyellow indicator 18 is at the middle of thelight display area 15, and corresponds to moderate mold and fungus growth conditions. Thered indicator 20 is at the top of thelight display area 15, and corresponds to high mold and fungus growth conditions. -
FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 while the apparatus is in a normal state of operation, in accordance with the invention. The digital display shows 72 degrees F. and 55% relative humidity. These conditions are found incolumn 2 ofFIG. 4B . Thegreen indicator 16 is illuminated during normal operating conditions. Normal operating conditions corresponds to low mold and fungus growth conditions. -
FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 during a first warning level, in accordance with the invention. The digital display shows 89 degrees F. and 73% relative humidity. These conditions are found incolumn 3 ofFIG. 4B . The yellow oramber indicator 18 is illuminated during a first warning level. The first warning level corresponds to moderate mold and fungus growth conditions. -
FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 at the second warning level, in accordance with the invention. The digital display shows 89 degrees F. and 94% relative humidity. These conditions are found incolumn 4 ofFIG. 4B . Thered indicator 20 is illuminated during a second warning level. The second warning level corresponds to high mold and fungus growth conditions. -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 at the third and most severe warning level, in accordance with the invention. The digital display shows 78 degrees F. and 91% relative humidity. These conditions are found incolumn 4 ofFIG. 4B . Thered indicator 20 is illuminated in a flashing mode during the third warning level. The third warning level corresponds to extreme mold and fungus growth conditions. -
FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10, in accordance with the invention. The underside of thehousing 12 includes abattery panel 40 to permit the user access to replace the battery. Achange hours button 42 andchange minutes button 44 allow the user to change the hour and minute display on theclock 38.Clock format button 46 allows the user to select a 12 hour or 24 hour clock. Atemperature units button 50 allows the user to select the desired temperature units, such as degrees F. or degrees C. Alock setting switch 48 allows the user to disablebuttons -
FIG. 12 depicts the electrical block diagram of an embodiment of the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10, in accordance with the invention. The device is built around amicroprocessor 26 with a temperature and relative humidity data map. Atemperature sensor 22 andrelative humidity sensor 24 are attached to themicroprocessor 26 to provide inputs. Apower supply 28 is attached to themicroprocessor 26 and supplies power to the entire device. Agreen indicator 16, ayellow indicator 18 and ared indicator 20 are attached to themicroprocessor 26. Anenergy saver switch 30 is attached to themicroprocessor 26. In one embodiment, theenergy saver switch 30 is attached between thegreen indicator 16 and themicroprocessor 26. Adigital display 52 is attached to themicroprocessor 26 to provide temperature, relative humidity or time readouts. Clock display switches 42, 44, 46 andtemperature units button 50 are attached to the microprocessors when appropriate. - Operation
- The mold and fungus growth warning apparatus should be placed in a location where the temperature and relative humidity conditions are representative of the entire building or monitored area. An appropriate location would be near the HVAC controls for the building. The
power supply 28 supplies the necessary power to operate the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10. Thepower supply 28 may be a battery or other AC or DC power supply, depending upon the needs of the user. Themicroprocessor 26 may be on continuously, or may sleep periodically, depending on its design characteristics. When themicroprocessor 26 is on, it is constantly receiving temperature and relative humidity inputs and determining the appropriate indicator display. In another embodiment, themicroprocessor 26 has an active mode and a sleep mode to save energy. Themicroprocessor 26 “wakes up” periodically to obtain new readings from thetemperature sensor 22 andrelative humidity sensor 24. In one embodiment, themicroprocessor 26 first determines the relative humidity and enters the appropriate column in the data map. Next, themicroprocessor 26 determines the temperature. Themicroprocessor 26 next compares the temperature to the appropriate relative humidity in the data map to determine whichindicator -
FIGS. 4A and 4B show alternative data maps formicroprocessor 26.FIG. 4A is for a simple mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 with only oneindicator 14.FIG. 4B applies to a mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 with multiple indicators and display levels. Themicroprocessor 26 matches the relative humidity and temperature values to the map. For example, usingFIG. 4B , if the relative humidity is below 50% thencolumn 1 ofFIG. 4B is used. If the relative humidity is 50% through 69% thencolumn 2 ofFIG. 4B is used. If the relative humidity is 70% through 89% thencolumn 3 ofFIG. 4B is used. If the relative humidity is above 89%, thencolumn 4 ofFIG. 4B is used. - The combination of relative humidity and temperature determines what action is to be performed by
microprocessor 26. For example, consider thattemperature sensor 22 detects a temperature of 72° F. (22.2° C.) andrelative humidity sensor 24 detects a value of 75%. Again usingFIG. 4B , themicroprocessor 26 will enter the map atColumn 3 for relative humidity values from 70% through 89%. InColumn 3, the action shown for a temperature value of 72° F. (22.2° C.) is to activate theyellow indicator 18. Note that it is the combination of values from both thetemperature sensor 22 and therelative humidity sensor 24 that will result in a particular action. Neither temperature alone nor relative humidity alone will trigger any action by themicroprocessor 26. - For another example, consider that upon a periodic “wake up” by
microprocessor 26, the temperature is 78° F. (25.6° C.) and the relative humidity is 91%. The relative humidity is greater than 89%, soColumn 4 is appropriate. WithinColumn 4, a temperature of 78° F. (25.6° C.) indicates an action to continuously flash only thered indicator 20 because these conditions are optimal for mold and fungus growth. - During most normal environmental conditions, the
green indicator 16 will be illuminated. Becauseindicator 16 simply means that there are no mold or fungus warnings or alerts, theindicator 16 can be turned off to conserve power. The placement of theenergy saver switch 30 within the circuit means that theindicator 16 can be turned off without affecting the operation of any of the other circuits or warnings. The mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 can be programmed to illuminate thegreen indicator 16 when ambient conditions are such that theyellow indicator 18 and thered indicator 20 are not illuminated. When theenergy saver switch 30 is activated and thegreen indicator 16 is extinguished, the mold and fungus can also be programmed to reset theenergy saver switch 30 and illuminate thegreen indicator 16 when any button is pressed, at a predetermined time interval, or when the temperature or relative humidity change. This can be accomplished even if the temperature or relative humidity changes do not result in a change from the illumination of thegreen indicator 16 to theyellow indicator 18 orred indicator 20. This gives the user peace of mind that the mold and fungusgrowth warning apparatus 10 is functioning properly. Of course, theenergy saver switch 30 can be disabled at any time by the user if a constant display is desired. - For comparison to
FIGS. 1A, 2A , and 3A, which corresponds to the map inFIG. 4A , theindicator 14 will not be illuminated during most normal environmental conditions. This simplified device provides warnings only when the conditions are optimal for mold and fungus growth. This is equivalent to thered indicator 20 operation ofFIGS. 1B, 2B , 3B and 4B. -
FIG. 7 shows thedigital display 52 where thetemperature display 34 shows a value of 72° F. (22.2° C.) and therelative humidity display 36 shows a relative humidity value of 55%.FIG. 4B has the map data for mold and fungus growth warning devices having multiple indicators. For relative humidity values from 50% through 69%, no action is required for a temperature value of 72° F. (22.2° C.). Thus, thegreen indicator 16 is illuminated. -
FIG. 8 shows thedigital display 52 where thetemperature display 34 shows a value of 89° F. (31.7° C.) and therelative humidity display 36 shows a relative humidity value of 73%.FIG. 4B has the map data for mold and fungus growth warning devices having multiple indicators. For relative humidity values from 70% through 89%, theyellow indicator 18 is illuminated for a temperature value of 89° F. (31.7° C.). Thus, theyellow indicator 18 is illuminated. -
FIG. 9 shows thedigital display 52 where thetemperature display 34 shows a value of 89° F. (31.7° C.) and therelative humidity display 36 shows a relative humidity value of 94%.FIG. 4B has the map data for mold and fungus growth warning devices having multiple indicators. For relative humidity values greater than 89%, thered indicator 20 is illuminated for a temperature value of 89° F. (31.7° C.). Thus, thered indicator 20 is illuminated. -
FIG. 10 shows thedigital display 52 where thetemperature display 34 shows a value of 78° F. (25.6° C.) and therelative humidity display 36 shows a relative humidity value of 91%.FIG. 4B has the map data for mold and fungus growth warning devices having multiple indicators. For relative humidity values greater than 89%, thered indicator 20 is illuminated in a flashing mode for a temperature value of 78° F. (25.6° C.). Thus, thered indicator 20 continuously flashes in response to these conditions. - Note that the values of both temperature and relative humidity have decreased from the values that warranted a
red indicator 20 condition inFIG. 9 . Intuitively, the lower temperature and relative humidity values would seem to be less hazardous and less conducive to mold and fungus growth. Yet the combination of lower values shown inFIG. 10 are a more serious risk for organic growth that the higher values ofFIG. 9 . - Heretofore, practitioners of the prior art lacked the understanding that only a combination of appropriate temperature and relative humidity will result in mold and fungus growth. The mold and fungus growth warning apparatus monitors, measures and acts in response to this unobvious combination of temperature and relative humidity values.
- While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alterations, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations in the appended claims.
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- 10 Mold and Fungus Growth Warning Apparatus
- 12 Housing
- 14 Red Indicator
- 15 light display area
- 16 green indicator
- 18 yellow indicator
- 20 red indicator
- 21 Cavity opening
- 22. Temperature Sensor
- 24 Relative Humidity Sensor
- 26 Microprocessor
- 28 Power Supply
- 30 Energy saver switch
- 32 Information Display Area
- 34 Temperature Display
- 36 Relative Humidity Display
- 38 Clock Display
- 40 Battery Replacement Panel
- 42 Change Hours button
- 44 Change Minutes button
- 46 12 HR or 24 HR Switch
- 48 Change or Lock Settings Switch
- 50 Change Temperature Units ° F. or ° C.
- 52 Digital Display
Claims (15)
1. An apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth, comprising:
a microprocessor having a map;
a temperature sensor attached to the microprocessor;
a relative humidity sensor attached to the microprocessor;
an indicator array attached to the microprocessor; and
a power supply attached to the microprocessor.
2. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 1 , where the indicator array comprises at least one warning light.
3. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 1 , where the indicator array comprises an audio speaker.
4. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 1 , where the indicator array comprises a message display.
5. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 4 , where the indicator array displays at least one environmental condition.
6. An apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for organic infestations, comprising:
means for sensing a temperature;
means for sensing a relative humidity;
means for comparing the temperature and the relative humidity; and
means for displaying the comparison.
7. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for organic infestations of claim 6 , where the comparing means comprises a microprocessor having a digital map of temperature and relative humidity combinations.
8. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for organic infestations of claim 6 , where the displaying means comprises a visual display.
9. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for organic infestations of claim 6 , where the displaying means comprises an audio display.
10. The apparatus for monitoring environmental conditions favorable for organic infestations of claim 6 , where the displaying means comprises a plurality of display options.
11. A method of monitoring environmental conditions for conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth, comprising the steps of:
(a) sensing a temperature with a temperature sensor connected to a microprocessor;
(b) sensing a relative humidity with a relative humidity sensor connected to the microprocessor;
(c) entering a data map attached to the microprocessor with the temperature information;
(d) entering the data map with the relative humidity information;
(e) deriving an environmental condition level from the data map; and
(f) displaying the environmental condition on an indicator array.
12. The method of monitoring environmental conditions for conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 11 , where step (f) further comprises:
(f1) displaying the environmental condition with a visual indicator.
13. The method of monitoring environmental conditions for conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 11 , where step (f) further comprises:
(f1) displaying the environmental condition with a plurality of visual indicators.
14. The method of monitoring environmental conditions for conditions favorable for mold, mildew- and fungus growth of claim 11 , where step (f) further comprises:
(f1) displaying the environmental condition with an audio speaker.
15. The method of monitoring environmental conditions for conditions favorable for mold, mildew and fungus growth of claim 11 , where step (f) further comprises:
(f1) displaying the environmental condition on a digital display.
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US11/028,389 US7382269B2 (en) | 2004-01-02 | 2005-01-03 | Mold and fungus growth warning apparatus and method |
US11/056,508 US7334938B2 (en) | 2005-01-03 | 2005-02-11 | Mold and fungus growth warning apparatus and method |
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US53392504P | 2004-01-02 | 2004-01-02 | |
US53427904P | 2004-01-05 | 2004-01-05 | |
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US59861404P | 2004-08-04 | 2004-08-04 | |
US11/028,389 US7382269B2 (en) | 2004-01-02 | 2005-01-03 | Mold and fungus growth warning apparatus and method |
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US7382269B2 US7382269B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 |
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1621901A1 (en) * | 2004-07-28 | 2006-02-01 | Michael Siegrist | Measuring and warning apparatus |
US20060146908A1 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2006-07-06 | Ralph Remsburg | Mold and fungus growth warning apparatus and method |
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WO2014131418A1 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2014-09-04 | Lyngborg Aps | A warning device |
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WO2018177745A1 (en) * | 2017-03-30 | 2018-10-04 | Techem Energy Services Gmbh | Method and apparatus for ascertaining the probability of mould damage and/or damp damage in a building |
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US20100024244A1 (en) * | 1999-05-20 | 2010-02-04 | Potter Gary J | Heater and controls for extraction of moisture and biological organisms from structures |
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WO2018177745A1 (en) * | 2017-03-30 | 2018-10-04 | Techem Energy Services Gmbh | Method and apparatus for ascertaining the probability of mould damage and/or damp damage in a building |
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